Florida Teens George Watts and Derrick Hubbard Die After Sand Hole Collapse in Citrus County
INVERNESS, Fla. Two 14-year-old best friends, George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, died after a sand hole they were digging collapsed and buried them alive at a Florida park, according to authorities and family members.
The tragic incident occurred Sunday at Sportsman Park in Inverness, located in Citrus County. Officials with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said the boys had been digging a tunnel in the sand, estimated to be about five feet deep, when the hole suddenly collapsed, trapping both teens beneath the sand.
According to reports, the boys’ parents became concerned after discovering their bicycles and shoes near the sandpit but could not locate them. Fearing something was wrong, they contacted authorities and began digging on their own before first responders arrived.
Deputies, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel rushed to the park and worked urgently to rescue the teens. Less than an hour later, both boys were pulled from the collapsed hole. CPR was administered at the scene, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities said Derrick Hubbard was pronounced dead on Sunday. George Watts remained hospitalized in critical condition but later died Tuesday afternoon. Officials have not confirmed how long the boys were buried beneath the sand.
George’s mother, Jasmine Watts, described the two teens as inseparable in a statement shared through a GoFundMe campaign created to help cover funeral and medical expenses. She said the boys shared a bond that went beyond friendship and were full of life, curiosity, and dreams for the future.
She added that while playing together, the boys dug a tunnel in sugar sand and were inside when it suddenly collapsed, turning what should have been a normal day of childhood adventure into an unimaginable loss.
Both boys attended Inverness Middle School. School officials announced counseling services would be made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy, noting that the loss has deeply impacted the school and district community.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said no additional details have been released at this time. Authorities noted that the incident highlights the serious dangers associated with digging deep holes in sand, as similar collapses have resulted in fatalities in past years.
